Prevent Duty

The Counter-Terrorism and Security Act 2015 requires us to have ‘due regard to the need to prevent people from being drawn into terrorism”. This is known as the
Prevent Duty.

What the Prevent Duty is

The Prevent Duty
was created by the Home Office as part of the government’s counter-terrorism strategy. It lays out guidance for local councils to follow to prevent people becoming terrorists or supporting terrorism.

It's ultimately about safeguarding vulnerable people from harm, just like other types of safeguarding, such as child sexual exploitation (CSE), child criminal exploitation (CCE), bullying or domestic abuse. We'll use our existing processes to effectively implement the duty.

How freedom of speech is linked to the Prevent Duty

When implementing the Prevent Duty, the Counter Terrorism and Security Act says we 'must have particular regard to the duty to ensure freedom of speech'.

It's important, especially in schools, enough time is provided for discussion, debate and respectful exchange of views around prevention and extremism.

Everyone is entitled to their own political view or opinion, but no one should enforce one view over that of others.

Preventing discrimination with the Prevent Duty

The Prevent Duty clearly says any action we take 'must not involve any covert activity against people or communities'.

Therefore we need to ensure we:

Eliminate discrimination, harassment and victimisation.

Foster good relations between people who share differing views.

Promote equality, diversity and shared values, such as democracy, rule of law, individual liberty, mutual respect for and tolerance of those with different faith and beliefs and those without faith.

Keep equality and diversity at the heart of the Prevent Duty. It should be demonstrated through all our practices in tackling any instances of discrimination and being alert to potential risks from radicalisation and extremism.

Are committed to providing support and encouraging debate and discussion to build critical thinking and resilience.

Recognise there are different forms of extremism and do not seek to vilify or discriminate against any part of the community. We are careful to ensure our approach is fair.